THE ROAD IS OUR AGONY, BUT ALSO OUR DAILY BREAD - -
- a series of memorable and forgettable rants, ramblings, and stories from the road. . .

Thursday, April 02, 2009

tomorrow

BREAKING NEWS!!

Tomorrow may be another landmark in Iowa’s long history of advancing civil and human rights. At 8:30 a.m., Friday, April 3, the Iowa Supreme Court will issue its ruling on whether gay or lesbian couples have the right to marry. In the interest of fairness, justice and equality, we hope for a positive ruling.

Supporters of equality are invited to attend one of four rallies planned for tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City and Davenport. The location for the Des Moines rally is Gateway Park at Grand Avenue and 13th Street in downtown.

Locations for the other rallies are still pending. Check One Iowa’s website (www.oneiowa.org) for details later this evening.

All along, this four-year legal struggle has been about making sure no loving, committed couple is denied the protections of civil marriage. This isn’t about being gay or straight. It is about being fair. As Iowans, we pride ourselves on our strong sense of community and fairness, and it’s only fair that any two loving individuals are able to take full responsibility for one another through the commitment of marriage. Full marriage equality is the only way to address the inequity identified by the lower court. Other options for recognizing committed gay or lesbian couples fall short and treat people as second-class citizens. Marriage strengthens families, and Iowa law should support committed couples who want to accept the responsibility that comes with marriage. It’s important to note that a favorable ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court would provide same-gender couples the opportunity to have a CIVIL marriage ceremony. The ruling has no impact on religious ceremonies. Churches, synagogues or mosques that don’t want to marry gay or lesbian couples won’t be required to do so.

Again, this is about CIVIL marriage, not RELIGIOUS marriage. In a society built on the separation of church and state, it’s very important that we understand that distinction.